EP3429776B1 - Device for applying a pressure force on a fastener - Google Patents

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a device for acting on a connecting element with an acting force, such that the connecting element is plastically deformed by the acting. It further relates to a method for operating such a device and the use of the aforementioned as an electric riveting machine, all in accordance with the preambles of the independent claims.

State of the art

For a long time, connecting elements have been used for connecting components, which allow a form fit between the elements to be connected by a deformation. In this case, the connecting element is usually brought into an operative connection that essentially encompasses the components to be connected. This active connection can be released before the plastic deformation. The plastic deformation of the connecting element leads to a positive connection of the components being produced.

A common method which creates a connection by applying a connecting element is riveting. When riveting, connecting elements made of metals, alloys or plastics are used, which do not return to their original shape after plastic deformation. When riveting, the rivet is inserted into a hole which extends through the two elements to be connected. The rivet is then mechanically deformed, so that plastic deformation has taken place on at least one of the two sides in which the rivet protrudes through an overhang. As a rule, this creates the characteristic "mushroom head" of the rivet.

In order to obtain a particularly stable rivet, it has proven useful if the riveting machine describes a curve instead of a flat, straight action, which moves in a circle around the rivet head in such a way that it is molded on from all sides. With such a radial riveting technique, a good rivet upper structure is made possible with gentle forces.

WO 2005/007319 A1 (Zemp, T. ) describes such a method, in which a connection of components, which penetrates through at least one component, is carried out via a forming machine. Before riveting, a protrusion is additionally determined, which is used to determine the parameters of the loading, such as, for example, the forming path, the forming time and the forming force.

Such devices for loading connecting elements are usually accommodated in machine tools. For this purpose, the machines can advantageously be accommodated in a particularly space-saving manner. Numerous devices are known in the prior art which use hydraulic or pneumatic drives to generate the required application force. Modern hydraulic and / or pneumatic drives can be manufactured in a suitably compact design, so that installation in most machine tools is possible without any problems. A well-known disadvantage of hydraulic machine drives, however, is the risk of contamination of the tool room with hydraulic fluid. Such contamination is particularly undesirable in medical technology production, in sterile rooms and / or in precision mechanics.

The FR 2,660,219 (Roslyj, W. et al ) describes such a riveting device, which is particularly compact. The device provides a fixed vice frame which houses a hydraulically driven tappet, which is additionally operatively connected to a rotating device. The impact axis ends in a stamp for loading a deformable material. However, this device is not suitable for assembly in machine tools with increased cleanliness requirements.

DE 20 2013 000092 U1 (KMT GmbH) discloses a device for loading a connecting element according to the preamble of claim 1.

There is therefore a need for devices of the type described at the outset which are compact and for use in a tool room with increased cleanliness requirements enable. In particular, a device of the type described at the outset is to be provided, which requires little maintenance and can be easily integrated into a machine tool.

This object was achieved with a device, a method and the corresponding use in accordance with the characterizing part of the independent claims.

Presentation of the invention

One aspect of the present invention relates to a device for applying a force to a connecting element. This loading force should act on the connecting element in such a way that it is plastically deformed by the loading. In the sense of the present invention, this plastic deformation can be accompanied by further forming processes. In this way, the connecting element can be heated in parallel, which in addition to the form-fitting connection which is created by the plastic deformation, also forms a non-positive connection between the elements to be connected. In a special embodiment, the connecting element is a connecting element made of a metal, a metal alloy and / or a plastic, which is suitable for adopting a new shape by plastic deformation, which is not to be reversed without substantial effort. The connecting element is preferably designed in such a way that this new shape enables the elements to be connected to be mechanically locked with respect to one another. This can be, for example, in the form of a rivet which passes through two elements which are to be connected with an overhang which is plastically deformed.

The device according to the invention further comprises a movably mounted head part with a processing head. The processing head is designed so that it can contact the connecting element. In the sense of the present invention, one can therefore speak of a distal and a proximal end with respect to the device. The distal end is the one which, in operation, is closest to the connector to be loaded. The proximal end of the device is the one that can make an operative connection with a machine tool. This active compound is particularly preferred a transmission of electrical energy and signals. In this example, the processing head is part of the distal end of the device. The processing head is preferably made of a material that is harder than the connecting element to be acted upon.

In a special embodiment, the processing head is a stamp. In an alternative embodiment, the machining head is a rolling element for rolling forming. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rolling element comprises a plurality of rolling elements selected from the group consisting of rollers, cones, balls, cylindrical rollers, needle rollers, tapered rollers and barrel rollers for loading a connecting element to be machined, in particular comprising between two and nine rolling elements. A rolling element as the machining head can be used to achieve chip-free shaping of a connecting element. Optionally, the balls and / or rollers can be provided with surface structures which are transferred to the connecting element to be deformed, e.g. profiling, creasing and / or roughening.

In a special embodiment, the device is modular so that the head part is interchangeable. So, e.g. a head part with a machining head designed as a stamp can be exchanged with a head part with a head part designed as a roller bearing. It is of course also possible to exchange head parts with the same type of machining head. For example, the caliber of the machining head can be exchanged, or a head part of the same type can easily be exchanged.

In a particular embodiment, the head part comprises a connecting element for the operatively connecting and reversible reception of a processing head, in particular a stamp or a rolling element, such as a roller head.

In the sense of the present invention, a head part can be regarded as movably supported if the head part together with the machining head can be moved along at least one axis. In the present example, the head part is particularly preferably mounted linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device, so that the movable head part can carry out a translational movement along the longitudinal axis of the device.

The device according to the invention further comprises a first drive, which is designed to drive a translation of the head part in the longitudinal axis of the head part. The first drive is preferably designed to drive said translation in such a way that the application force is applied by the machining head to the connecting element. The first drive is preferably a linear drive. It is particularly preferably arranged in such a way that it is in front of the head part. This means that the first drive is preferably arranged proximally within the device with regard to the head part.

The device according to the invention further comprises a second drive, which is designed to rotate the processing head, in particular the punch, to drive the longitudinal axis. In the sense of the present invention, the longitudinal axis can be defined as the central axis of rotation of the device. It essentially corresponds to the axis of the application and extends longitudinally from the proximal to the distal end of the device. The second drive is preferably designed such that the stamp is able to describe at least one closed curve.

In a special embodiment, wherein the machining head comprises at least one rolling element, the drive is designed such that the at least one rolling element can be rotated about the central longitudinal axis of the device, in particular able to describe a closed curve.

In a special embodiment, wherein the machining head comprises at least one rolling element, the machining head comprises a second gear, which is designed to reduce the number of revolutions of the drive.

The device according to the invention further comprises a housing for receiving the first drive, the second drive and the head part.

In the device according to the invention, the first and the second drive are electrically driven and arranged coaxially. In the sense of the present invention, a coaxial arrangement can be defined in other words, for example, as being equipped with a matching axis of rotation.

In a special embodiment, no hydraulic and / or pneumatic components are accommodated in the device according to the invention. In a special embodiment, the housing is designed in several parts. A first housing part can be designed to accommodate the first drive, while a second housing part is designed to accommodate the head part together with the second drive.

According to the second drive is arranged in the head part. As a result, the second drive is movably supported.

In a special embodiment, the housing is formed in one piece.

In a special embodiment, the housing is designed in several parts, in particular in two parts.

A possible advantage of accommodating the drives in separate housing parts in the two-part housing part embodiment is the modularity of the device according to the invention. Depending on the needs with regard to the rotation pattern that is to be made possible by the second drive, or according to the stroke sizes or the loading force that can be provided by the first drive, a person skilled in the art can put together the arrangement that is suitable for him.

The drives can also be designed to be exchangeable independently of the housing parts. For the purposes of the present invention, an arrangement can be defined as coaxial if it has at least one coincident axis of rotation. In the present example, the longitudinal axis of the device is the axis of rotation of the first drive and the second drive.

The device according to the invention provides a device for acting on a connecting element with an acting force, which has a comparatively small space requirement and can be produced in a compact and slim manner. This is the integration simplified the device in a machine tool. The maintenance effort is also reduced, since all elements relevant to the drive are housed within the housing and are thus protected against contamination or exposure.

In a special embodiment, the housing is sealed against the outside. This can be made possible, for example, by a sealing lip which prevents dirt and dust from penetrating between the two parts which can be moved relative to one another, that is to say between the head part and the inner wall of the housing.

In a special embodiment, the first drive is an electrical linear drive. By dispensing with hydraulic fluid within the device, the device can be used particularly advantageously in clean rooms.

In a particular embodiment, the first drive comprises a hollow shaft motor, particularly preferably a permanently excited hollow shaft motor. This cavity can accommodate a stroke of a threaded spindle and enables a more compact design of the device according to the invention.

In a special embodiment, the first drive further comprises a screw drive, selected from the group consisting of: roller drive, ball drive or planetary roller screw drive. The first drive particularly preferably comprises a planetary roller screw drive for converting a feed movement of the head part. This enables particularly high forces to be provided with a simultaneously small design.

In a special embodiment, the first drive comprises a threaded spindle which has a spindle pitch of 5 mm or less. This enables a high level of dynamics with a compact design. Planets with parallel grooves can roll on a planetary roller screw drive. A spindle nut enables the planet to rotate.

In a special embodiment, the second drive comprises a permanently excited synchronous motor, which is accommodated directly in the head part. The second drive is preferably arranged distally in relation to the first drive. The The second drive is in particular designed to establish an operative connection with the processing head, in particular the punch, and to set the latter in a rotational movement. The synchronous motor comprises a rotor and a stator. In a special embodiment, the speed of the second drive can be steplessly controlled.

In a special embodiment, the housing comprises an opening through which the head part can be moved at the distal end of the housing. In particular, the head part can be moved by a stroke. In a special embodiment, this stroke corresponds essentially to the hollow shaft with respect to the expansion in its longitudinal axis. The hub can be controlled bidirectionally upwards and downwards in short time intervals. In a special embodiment, the stroke is guided.

In a special embodiment, the mouth has a sealing lip.

In a special embodiment, the device comprises a force sensor, which measures the application force and is connected downstream of the first drive. In a special embodiment, the force sensor is connected upstream of the second drive. With this arrangement, the force can be measured directly where it is generated. As a result, the linear contact pressure of the first drive can be largely detected at the point of origin. The force sensor can be designed to detect feedback, that is to say a resistance of the head part. In a special embodiment, the force sensor is a piezo force sensor. Alternatively, an expansion or torsion cylinder or a spring can be used to measure the corresponding contact pressure.

In a special embodiment, the housing comprises a guide for a translatory movement of the head part. The housing preferably also has an anti-rotation device with respect to the head part. The anti-rotation device can be provided as a one-piece component which is molded onto the inner wall of the housing. Alternatively, the anti-rotation device can be a separate anti-rotation device which can be fitted into a corresponding guide rail of the housing inner wall. The rotation lock is particularly preferably designed such that a translational movement of the head part is carried out within the housing, but rotation of the head part with respect to the housing is prevented by the rotation lock.

In a special embodiment, the anti-rotation device is designed as a wedge within the housing.

In a special embodiment, the device comprises means for indirect force measurement with respect to the drives. In a special example, this indirect force measurement can be ensured via the motor current.

In a special embodiment, the device comprises guide rods which extend from the head part to a first housing part and are mounted in the latter via a guide groove. This groove prevents the head part from rotating with respect to the first housing part.

In a special embodiment, the housing comprises an integrated cable guide which is designed to carry electrical current and signals up to the stamp. In a special embodiment, the device comprises an integrated cable guide, in particular in the form of a spring spiral within the housing. This spring spiral can be designed to compensate for the stroke of the head part, without forces acting on the cable guide.

In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one touch sensor for the detection of a connecting element. This push button sensor can, for example, as in the WO 2005/007319 A1 designed to be used. In a special and alternative embodiment, this push button sensor can be made possible via the feedback of the force sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the push button sensor comprises a capacitive sensor. The use of a force tensor for the detection of a connecting element is also conceivable. By using a strain gauge or a piezo sensor, information regarding the applied forces can also be obtained.

In a particular embodiment, the device comprises a connecting part for connecting the device to a machine tool. This connecting part can be designed with an additional seal in order to prevent dirt and dust from penetrating into the interior of the device.

The device according to the invention provides a device for loading a connecting element, which can be used in a variety of ways and enables simple integration into existing machine tools, while at the same time requiring less maintenance and being highly dynamic. It goes without saying for a person skilled in the art that all of the described embodiments can be implemented in an embodiment of a device according to the invention, provided that these are not mutually exclusive.

In a special embodiment, the stamp is designed to be exchangeable. The stamp can comprise a defined stamp profile which is adapted to the shape of the connecting element to be achieved. The stamp profile can comprise a shape selected from the shapes consisting of: flat, conical, flat cambered, flanged, folded, expanded, cylindrical, high cambered, flanged and / or drawn in.

In a special embodiment, the first drive is designed such that it can provide a total stroke of between 0 and 500 mm and can provide a working stroke of between 0.01 and 100 mm.

In a special embodiment, the device comprises at least one overload safety device in order to limit the force in a specific axis. An overload protection device is preferably arranged between a housing part and the first drive, so that a force acting on the drive towards the housing part is limited. Such overload protection is preferably designed as an elastically deformable element, in particular as a spring, which exerts a restoring force against the force that occurs. In a further particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a plurality of overload safeguards, in particular it comprises a first overload safeguard and a second overload safeguard, which are arranged between the first drive and at least one housing part, so that a force unexpectedly acting on the drive or the housing part is caused by the Overload protection is limited in a certain area.

In a further particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a manual rotary device for moving the drive in the de-energized state. The manual rotating device is preferably attached in such a way that it can be actuated from outside the housing. This can be accomplished in that the manual rotating device extends over a shaft from outside the housing into the housing interior and is operatively connected to the drive. This means that the drive, spindle of the first drive and head section can be moved in the de-energized state. This can be particularly useful for maintenance. In a further preferred embodiment, the manual rotating device comprises a grip area at its proximal end, which enables optimal power transmission into the interior of the housing and onto the drive. The grip area of the manual rotating device is particularly preferably designed in a ring shape, so that the grip area can additionally serve as an anchor point for a load lifting device, which simplifies the transport of the device according to the invention. The simplicity of this grip area means that there is also no need for special tools for manual handling of the device. The means and ways to move the device, in particular the head part, can be carried out from the outside by the manual turning device on the drive, which further facilitates the maintenance and repair of the device.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a device as described at the outset as an electric riveting machine for loading and deforming connecting elements to form connections. This use particularly preferably comprises using the device as a wobble / radial riveting machine. The rotary drive, that is to say the second drive, is designed such that it can carry out a rosette-shaped movement.

The use according to the invention includes the selection of the device size with regard to the desired forces. The size is also decisively determined by the diameter of the connecting elements or rivet shafts to be machined. It is within the skill of a skilled person to determine the appropriate fixture size to get a desired riveting result. The device shown can be used for connecting elements with sizes in the range from 0.1 to 200 mm. The is particularly preferred Use of the present device for rivets which have increased demands on precision. The device according to the invention can be used for riveting forces of between 0.1 and 200 KN.

An advantage of the present device is that the riveting force can be steplessly controlled.

In a particular embodiment, the use includes use as a roller burnishing machine.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a device described, wherein a machine tool is used which transmits control signals and electrical current to the device. A common work table with corresponding electrical connections and control connections can be suitable as the machine tool. The machine tool can also be part of a production line or a production room. It can also be part of a clean room or a sterile room. The machine tool can also include further devices for additional upstream and / or downstream work steps. In a special embodiment, the machine tool is a fully automatic machining center.

The method according to the invention initially comprises the step of lowering the head part, so that an operative connection is established with the connecting element. This operative connection can, but does not have to, result in physical contact of the head part via the stamp with the connecting element. This lowering of the headboard may include overcoming a stroke as outlined above. In a further step, the stamp is driven to perform a circular movement. In a further step, the stamp is driven to carry out a translatory pushing movement. This step can take place simultaneously to carry out the circular movement and / or can be carried out in a clocked manner.

In a special embodiment, a connecting element is detected by means of a push-button sensor and, in view of the detected connecting element, the parameters of the application are selected. The selection of the parameters is selected and adjusted in a particularly preferred manner.

Another aspect of the present relates to a machine tool comprising a device according to the invention. The machine tool can be part of a production line or a robot unit. To connect the device according to the invention to the machine tool, an adapter can be provided in the form of a fastening unit which can be detachably connected to the device and allows fixation to a console of the machine tool. The fastening unit can also be an integral part of the housing of the device, e.g. as a corresponding structural design on the housing, in particular on the first or second housing part, or can be formed by connecting the two housing parts.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures and specific exemplary embodiments, but without being restricted to the scope thereof. In the figures, analog components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless something else is explicitly stated.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1a

eine erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung in Aussensicht;

Fig. 1b

die Vorrichtung der Fig. 1a mit ausgefahrenem Hub;

Fig. 2a

ein Längsquerschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung;

Fig.2b

der Längsquerschnitt der Fig. 2a mit ausgefahrenem Hub;

Fig. 3

die Verdrehsicherung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 4

ein allgemein schematischer Aufbau des erfindungsgemässen Konzepts;

Fig. 5

besondere Ausführungsform mit Überlastsicherungen.

The drawings used for explanation show schematically:

Fig. 1a

a device according to the invention in external view;

Fig. 1b

the device of the Fig. 1a with extended stroke;

Fig. 2a

a longitudinal cross section through an inventive device;

2b

the longitudinal cross section of the Fig. 2a with extended stroke;

Fig. 3

the anti-rotation device of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a generally schematic structure of the inventive concept;

Fig. 5

special embodiment with overload protection.

The simplest embodiment of the invention is simplest based on the Fig. 4 illustrated. The in the Fig. 4 The device 1 according to the invention shown has the shape of a cylinder with a length dimension and a longitudinal axis L, which also essentially forms the central axis of rotation. The outer structure is formed by a housing 3, 4, which is designed as a sleeve. The housing 3, 4 is expediently made of aluminum. The housing 3, 4 has at its proximal end at least one opening through which a connection 2 extends, which serves to transmit electrical signals of a machine tool into the interior of the device 1. Starting from this proximal end, a first linear drive 13 is arranged in the interior of the housing 3, 4 and is rigid in the housing 3, 4. This linear drive 13 is designed to enable movement along the longitudinal axis of a piston or a spindle. This activates a head part 16 which is almost completely encased by the sleeve of the housing 3, 4 in a fully retracted state of the stroke of the linear drive 13. The head part 16 is mounted so as to be movable with respect to the housing 3, 4 in translation with the longitudinal axis L via a bearing 15. However, the head part 16 is preferably rigid in terms of rotation, that is to say rigid with respect to a rotation about the longitudinal axis L. A second drive 8, which is designed as a rotary drive, is arranged within the head part 16. This second drive 8 activates a connecting pin 8.4, which can perform a circular movement about the longitudinal axis. A processing head 7 can be operatively connected to this connecting pin 8.4 for processing the connecting element.

In this embodiment, both the first drive 13 and the second drive 8 are designed without pneumatic or hydraulic drives. In addition, the two drives 8, 13 are arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis L of the device 1.

With this simple arrangement, a device 1 for loading a connecting element by means of the stamp is provided, which is compact and enables use in a room with increased cleanliness requirements.

The processing head can be designed as a stamp. The stamp is then preferably made of a material which is harder than the connecting element to be machined, for example hardened tool steel. A steel stamp has proven itself. Depending on the area of application this stamp can also be provided with additional coatings which improve the abrasion resistance and the wear resistance. Diamond compounds and ceramics are usually particularly suitable for such purposes.

The compact design continues in the 1a, 1b clear. These show a device 1 according to the invention in a retracted state ( Fig. 1a ) and a state with a fully extended stroke ( Fig. 1b ). In this more specific embodiment, the housing 3, 4 is configured in two parts. A first sleeve-shaped housing part 3 has the recesses through which the connections 2 for the current and signal supply extend. A second housing part 4 is attached to this first housing part 3, for example via a bayonet lock, which opens into a mouth 4.1. In one embodiment, the second housing part 4 is screwed to the first 3.

From the Fig. 1b with the stroke fully extended, the head part housing 5 and the head part mouth 5.1 can also be seen. The processing head, for example a stamp (not shown), is attached within this head part mouth 5.1, which acts on the connecting element. In operation, this head part 5.1 is placed over the connecting element to be machined. In a special embodiment (not shown), this mouth can additionally be configured with sensor elements which detect the expansion of the connecting element in the unloaded or in the loaded state. For example, this mouth can be designed with a capacitive sensor or a Hall sensor. The device can also simply be equipped with a force sensor.

The inner life of the in the 1a and 1b Devices 1 shown in the 2a, 2b each in the retracted ( Fig. 2a ) and extended condition ( Fig. 2b ). The two housing parts 3, 4 are sleeve-shaped and connected to one another. The first housing part has at the distal end a recess through which the connections 2 are guided, which open into a cable guide 2.1 inside, for the electrical supply of the drives and sensors of the devices 1. The connection 2 is encased in the present example, around which To better withstand the conditions of a machine tool. The connection 2 can also be adapted with regard to the required standards in order to be accommodated in a corresponding robot. In the present example, the first drive 13 is a hollow shaft drive. A spindle 13.4 is arranged within the hollow shaft 13.1, around which a spindle arrange an arrangement of a rotor 13.3 and a stator 13.2, which enclose a hollow shaft 13.5. The spindle is guided via a threaded nut 13.6 and opens directly into a pressure sensor 10, which in turn is operatively connected to the head part housing 5. The rotary drive shaft 8.2 is operatively connected to the machining head 7 by a rotary gear 8.1. In the present example, the processing head 7 is designed as a riveting machine stamp and essentially comprises a stamp 7.2 and a head part shaft 7.1. The stamp is driven in such a way that it can perform a circular movement about the longitudinal axis L by means of the rotary gear 8.1. This is ensured in this illustration by the connecting pin for the machining head 8.4, which is shown offset with respect to the longitudinal axis and can be rotated about this. The rotary drive shaft 8.2 and the spindle of the first drive 13.4 are arranged coaxially along the longitudinal axis of the tool. A head section mouth 5.1 protects the machining head 7 and facilitates the guidance of the device to the connecting element which is to be machined. A sealing lip 6 is attached between the head part 5 and the second housing half 4 surrounding the head part. The routing of the electrical lines is completely housed within the housing 3, 4. In order to accommodate the corresponding translation of the head part, the cable guide is designed as a cable guide spring spiral 12. In order to prevent rotation by the second drive 8 within the housing 3, 4 from being transmitted to the first drive 13, rods 9 are arranged in rod shafts, which are mounted in a rotationally rigid manner with a bearing 11 in a rotationally rigid manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device 1.

The processing head 7 does not have to be configured in two parts. In the present case, a head section shaft 7.1 is designed to receive a connecting pin of the processing head 8.4 with a socket.

In the Fig.2a, 2b a ratio 8.3 is additionally arranged between the rotary drive 8 and the rotary gear 8.1. This ratio can be used to reduce the speed of the rotary drive, e.g. then when the machining head 7 is an erasing head (not shown). This translation is optional and is not required for the arrangement with a stamp 7.2 as the processing head 7.

The design of the rotation protection is again more closely based on the Fig. 3 explained, which schematically represents the second housing part 4 with the mouth 4.1 (bottom). The rods 9 extend over an essential part of the second housing part 4, which is designed with additional anti-rotation protection with a track bearing 11, which is housed in the second housing part 4 in a rotationally rigid manner. The screws 14 of the head part extend over the entire connection point between the second housing part 4 and the first housing part (not shown in this illustration) and connect them in a rotationally rigid manner.

In the Figure 5 a device 1 according to the invention is analogous to that from FIG Figure 4 illustrates, but which has additional advantageous embodiments. The aluminum housing 3.4 has at its proximal end along the central axis of rotation L of the device 1 an opening through which a manual turning device 18 can be directly applied to the shaft and the first linear drive 13 a manual turning force.

Furthermore, this device 1 comprises overload protection devices 17.1, 17.2, which are arranged between the housing 3.4 and the first drive 13. A first overload safety device is formed at the proximal end of the housing 3.4 in the form of a spring arrangement 17.1, which limits any forces that act on the first drive 13 with regard to its translatory movement to the proximal end of the housing 3.4. A second overload protection device in the form of a second spring arrangement 17.2 is also operatively connected to the drive 13 by means of tabs formed on the inside of the housing 3.4 (which can be an integral part of the housing 3.4) in such a way that a translational force which acts on the drive 13 is also limited by this spring arrangement 17.2. The linear drive 13 is protected from forces by the two overload protection devices 17.1, 17.2, which increases the robustness of the device. However, this embodiment is purely optional and is intended as a supplement to the device 1 according to the invention.

It goes without saying that the example shown represents only one embodiment of the solution according to the invention. If the individual special embodiments are not mutually exclusive, they can be combined as desired in a device according to the invention, without the advantages of the present invention being restricted.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

connection

2.1

cable management

3

first housing part

4

second housing part

4.1

muzzle

5

Header housing

5.1

Headboard mouth

6

sealing lip

7

processing head

7.1

Headboard shaft

7.2

stamp

8th

rotary drive

8.1

rotary gear

8.2

Sans rotary drive shaft

8.3

translation

8.4

Connection pin for machining head

9

pole

10

pressure sensor

11

Anti-rotation protection with thrust bearing

12

Cable management Feather Spiral

13

first drive

13.1

hollow shaft

13.2

Stator of the first drive

13.3

Rotor of the first drive

13.4

First drive spindle

13.6

threaded nut

14

Verbindungssschrauben

15

Bearing headboard

16

headboard

17.1

Downward overload protection

17.2

Overload protection upwards

18

Manual lifting and turning device

Claims (14)

1. A device (1) for acting upon a connecting element with an applied force, such that the connecting element undergoes plastic deformation due to the application of force, comprising:

   a. a movably mounted head part (16) having a processing head (7), in particular designed as a ram or a rolling element for rolling deformation, wherein the processing head (7) is designed to contact the connecting element;

   b. a first drive (13) designed to drive translation of the head part (16) in the longitudinal axis of the head part (16), in particular to drive it so that the applied force is applied to the connecting element by the processing head (7);

   c. a second drive (8) designed to drive a rotation of the processing head (7) about the longitudinal axis, in particular to drive it so that the ram is at least capable of describing a closed curve;

   d. a housing for accommodating the first drive (13), the second drive and the head part (16) and

   characterized in that
   the first drive (13) and the second drive (8) are driven electrically and are arranged coaxially, and
   wherein the second drive (8) is situated in the head part (16).
2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first drive (13) comprises a hollow shaft motor, in particular additionally comprising a screw drive selected from the group consisting of: a roller drive, a ball drive or a planetary screw drive.
3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first drive (13) comprises a threaded spindle having a spindle pitch of 5 mm or less.
4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second drive (8) comprises a permanently energized synchronous motor.
5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (1) comprises a force sensor (10), which measures the applied force and is connected downstream from the first drive (13), in particular wherein the force sensor (10) is connected upstream from the second drive (8).
6. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing includes a guide for a translational movement of the head part, and in particular wherein the housing includes a twist-preventing device with respect to the head part, so that a translational movement of the head part inside the housing is guided, but rotation of the head part is suppressed.
7. The device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the twist-preventing device and/or the guide by at least one rod (9) extending through the housing in the longitudinal direction and at least one thrust bearing for supporting the twist-proof device and/or guide.
8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a cable guide (12) integrated into the housing, in particular a cable guide (12) integrated into a spiral spring inside the housing for conducting electric signals between the head part (16) and a connector (2).
9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing is designed in multiple parts, in particular wherein the housing comprises a first housing part (3) and a second housing part (4), and wherein the housing parts (3, 4) are designed to be releasably connected to one another, so that a second housing part (4), which can be replaced and contains the second drive (8) and the head part (16).
10. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, additionally comprising at least one sensor for detecting a connecting element.
11. A use of a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 as an electrical riveting machine for forming action and shaping or molding of connecting elements to form rivet connections, in particular for tumbling and/or radial action and shaping of connecting elements to form rivet connections.
12. A method for operating a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a machine tool transmits control signals and electric current to the device, comprising the steps:

    a. lowering the head part in active connection to a connecting element;

    b. driving a machining head for executing a circular movement;

    c. driving the processing head to execute a translational acting movement, in particular a working stroke.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a connecting element is detected by means of a sensor, and the parameters of the action are selected on the basis of the connecting element detected, in particular being selected and adjusted through feedback.
14. A machine tool, comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a fastening unit that can be connected to the device for securing the device in a machine tool.

Images